'We live in a world where taking chances with comedy is more challenging': Ben Stiller insists comedy is about having the freedom to speak 'truth to power'

Ben Stiller insists comedy is about having the freedom to speak "truth to power".

The 59-year-old star has urged comedians to keep "taking chances" where they can despite the current political climate, which has seen the likes of Jimmy Kimmel suspended after a joke referencing the death of Charlie Kirk, with President Donald Trump vocally criticising many late night hosts.

He told the Radio Times magazine: “We live in a world where taking chances with comedy is more challenging.

“You’re seeing that front and center in our country. But I think it’s important that comedians keep doing what they’re doing, speaking truth to power and being free to say what they want.

"That’s the most important thing.”

The Severance producer also opened up on the impact social media has had on comedy.

He acknowledged that "you have things that go out to huge audiences very quickly", but the bite-sized TikTok skits could be dumbing things down.

He added: "I think we’ve reduced our attention spans down a little bit. I feel lucky to have grown up in the analogue world.”